President Obama's Prime Time Speech

Chicago -- President Obama's health care reform plans on the ropes Wednesday morning. He'll make his case in prime-time speech Wednesday night.

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With healthcare reform hanging in the balance, President Obama takes his case to the American people Wednesday night. With much the same message he presented Tuesday in the rose garden.

"We are closer than ever before to the reform that the American people need, and we're going to get the job done," said Barack Obama.

Both the democrats' bills in the House and Senate would:
- Reform insurance rules to prohibit denying coverage for those with pre-existing medical conditions.
- Offer a government-run plan to compete with private insurance to lower costs.
- Emphasize prevention and wellness programs.

The president has dispatched his staff to go on the offensive and bring Democrats on board.

Despite their efforts, some conservative Democrats are still unwilling to support the plan in particular, the tax increases. The discord among Democrats is allowing Republicans to deflect blame for the bill's potential demise.

"If the bill fails, it will be because of disagreement among the Democrats," said Rep. Eric Cantor (R).

There is speculation among House and Senate Democrats that President Obama will not get his healthcare bill by the august recession. The president is hoping to change that by making his case tonight directly to the American people.

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